Of all men’s clothing with a military heritage, the trench coat is the classiest. This perhaps stems from the fact that it is one of the oldest army garments still widely worn, dating from an early 20th century era when you still had to look smart even to go to war. Indeed, when the trench coat was devised – ostensibly as a means of keeping the endless mud off one’s uniform in the trenches of the First World War – it was allowed to be worn only by officers.
Yet, for all that Robert Mitchum and Humphrey Bogart might have re-cast the trench coat as somehow quintessentially American – the trench coat is the noir detective’s coat of choice – it is a British invention, belonging jointly (despite their rivalry over it) to both Aquascutum and Burberry: the former invented the first waterproof wool, devised a field coat for soldiers of the Crimean War and would later corner the Hollywood trench-coat market, for many the definition of the classic form; the later invented gabardine and won the contract to supply a trench-type coat for the Boer War and beyond.
What Is A Trench Coat?
Put simply, a trench coat is a three-quarter length coat designed to keep the grime and rain off your finer clothes rather than offer protection like a full-on winter coat would; it was first created with a detachable sheepskin liner – back when the coat was known as the ‘trench warm’ – and still works well over a gilet to the same end.
On the most classic of styles, many of the original details remain. True, the epaulettes, for your insignia of rank, and the D-rings – metal rings attached at the belt from which to suspend your grenades and ammunition pouches – are largely redundant now. But then the storm flap at the shoulder – designed in part to help soften rifle recoil – is also, like the back vent, an arrangement that allows rain water to run off away from the body, rather than into the coat.
Zara
The double-breasted cut provides an extra layer of warmth for your torso and the belt, throat latch and cuff tighteners allow for all hatches to be battened down should the weather turn. The raglan cut makes it easier to get over layers, too.
On its own it might not keep you all that warm, but it will keep you very, very dry – the trench coat was, after all, named after those First World War warrens in which men were exposed to the elements for weeks at a time – but also properly ventilated. The trench coat was the technical jacket of its era.
Why You Need A Trench Coat Today
There are multiple versions of the trench coat: short ones and long ones, lined and unlined, in wool or cotton gabardine or khaki drill, poplin or twill weaves – with more expensive options treated for added waterproofing – with more or fewer of those classic details. Some have so few of these, in fact, that they’re more like a mac/trench hybrid.
Brooks Brothers
But there’s one reason why this classic style never quite goes away: it works, and arguably more so now than it did a century ago. Since so much of our time is now spent in heated homes, offices or cars (not to mention the rising temperatures of climate change) the need for a seriously heavy coat is greatly diminished.
What’s really most useful is a breathable layering piece, one that, as a vintage Burberry ad had it, can “afford hygienic and efficient protection against wet or chill and prolonged resistance to hard wear”, adding that it was “suitable for every war zone”. With a blanket wrapped around your lower legs, it could even double as an “emergency sleeping kit”. That’s probably arguing too hard for the trench coat’s appeal today, but it does speak to why this style is so cocooning.
How To Wear A Trench Coat
Aside from its practicality – it’s light and waterproof with deep pockets – the trench coat’s other great asset is its stylistic versatility. It’s one of the few coats styles that can easily transition from smart to casual dress – in fact, alongside a mac and overcoat, it’s one of the few coat styles that actually looks right over suiting, providing you don’t attempt to wear a formal hat too.
Zara
It shouldn’t, but it does look just as at home with a sweatshirt and jeans, in a way that seems very 1960s Parisian student. Worn buttoned up and with a big scarf and the reference is more 1980s football casuals, arguably the first style tribe to embrace the trench coat outside of formal dressing. Trench coats come in myriad colors now, but the most useful are, inevitably, in the traditional menswear shades of navy or black, or – for the trench coat at least – the definitive fawn/khaki.
The trench coat should form a good tailored fit when it’s fully done up, which is to say it should fit at the shoulders and not balloon around the body. That said, bigger men might like to avoid wearing the coat belted – it tends to draw attention to your mid-section – so much as just pulled on loosely over your jacket or jumper.
Length is an important consideration too: aim for a style that is no longer than just above your knee and no shorter than mid thigh. Trench coat fabrics are easily worked with so get your coat taken up if necessary. But don’t be too prissy about it: a trench coat tends to look better the more battered it is.
Key Trench Coat Brands
Burberry
One of the two brands making the definitive trench coat, Burberry’s is replete with all the original details, but now also comes in three fits – relaxed, for easier layering, classic and slim, the latter being more of a fashion piece. With its signature gabardine made at the Burberry mill near Keighley, this trench coat is also among the more expensive. But then it’s an heirloom piece.
Better known – as its name gives away – as maker of the classic, fuss-free mac, Mackintosh also has its own take on the trench coat. With versions available without the likes of epaulettes or storm flap, Mackintosh’s trench coats might suit those looking for a more streamlined look.
Arguably the go-to brand for a well-priced version of the trench coat with much more of a fashion leaning, what you might lose in technical performance you’ll gain in a shorter, edgier cut. There are still plenty of the characterful details, from the belt to the storm flap.
For a hardy staple at an affordable price, Marks & Spencer’s cotton-rich trench coats come with the maker’s Stormwear technology – a cotton and polyester blended fabric coating that ensures raindrops roll away off the garment while allowing it to remain breathable.
Accessibly priced and with timeless styling, John Lewis’s own brand water- and wind-proof coats lean, more strictly, to the mac style than the trench coat. That said, they do use a bonded cotton blend and host plenty of detail such as button cuff adjustors, and has a versatile mid-length cut.
The mid-priced, good value option, British retailer Reiss offers outerwear that goes beyond that of the one-season wonder, and so packs in plenty of extras – a cotton shell might come with a quilted lining, neatly cut vents and a solid, suits-everyone standard fit.
Less well known than Burberry or Aquascutum, but making a similarly top-notch trench coat, Grenfell – which has been providing specialist outerwear to explorers since 1923 – also makes its trench coats from a proprietary, densely-woven cotton cloth. Its trench coats are available with detachable liners too.
The other maker of the definitive trench coat, Aquascutum’s was the style worn by Bogart in ‘Casablanca’ and Peter Sellers as bumbling detective Inspector Clouseau. Aquascutum’s trench coats are identified by the check lining and slightly oversized cut. Again, it’s not the cheapest, but it is a classic.
If you’re after a more alternative take on the trench coat, Zara is a good place to look. Its versions might come using concealed fastenings, quilted, oversized, padded, belt-less, extra-long, checked, waxed, in atypical fabrics the likes of denim or a glossy polyester, even minimalistic with merely hints of the original style left.
At its heart, the best cowboy boots for men are for riding horses. And yet, it’s drenched in so much style, history, and sense of identity that it transcends its function. The wrangling footwear embodies all that goes with the Wild West. The Great Plains, John Wayne, rodeos, bourbon, pickup trucks, ranching, and good old western freedom.
Beyond real cowboys like Billy the Kid, real fashionista royalty like Harry Styles also shows off their rancher vibes. This look is a sub-trend that doesn’t seem to be leaving the saloon anytime soon. The best men’s cowboy boots are never in or out of fashion—just a timeless Americana style with a strong identity.
But let’s say you’re not peak “fashion,” what’s in it for you? The right cowboy boot is a chance to add a healthy dose of Western panache to your wardrobe. It’s also not a bad excuse to get heavily into bourbon and country line dancing.
Through hours of online research, we’ve compiled a list of the best cowboy boots for men. So, what are you waiting for? Your new favorite boots are just a scroll away.
What’s that coming over the hill? Why it’s a pair of cowboy boots. Where are they headed? Well, they’re actually coming back… coming back into fashion. As cowboy boots become cool again, getting your hands on a pair of boots that tick all the requisite boxes makes sense.
That’s why the smooth, minimal exterior of these Rhodes boots makes them the most versatile boot on this list. The waxed cowhide exterior provides full shaft protection for riding, farm work, or the urban-puddle splash (don’t underestimate it).
The leather will keep melding to the shape of your foot, ensuring buttery comfort. And the sole is flexible, re-solable, and tenacious as hell. If you’re new to the game, “the all-around Rhodes” boots are a fantastic jumping-in point.
The simple decorative patterning of these Tecovas boots switches seamlessly from prairie to shopping mall. Handcrafted in León, Mexico, from supple and lightweight calfskin, they also feature a 1 ? inch heel in a traditional “roper” style. For reference, the roper-toe makes it a useful all-rounder between the two states of a cowboy: on-horse and… not on-horse.
While they are traditional rodeo style, the black leather gives you more styling options. Pair them with black jeans and a black leather jacket to edge into the biker aesthetic. These boots represent raw, unabashed style so take advantage of it.
Material: Calfskin Leather, Bovine, or Goat | Sizes available: 7-15 | Colors: Black, Bourbon, Deep Brown, Tan | Toe: Round
These boots are quite simply beautiful objects. The brown leather of the bottom coalesces with the light brown of the shaft. The cowpoke cherry on top is the vivacious double-row stitch that radiates flair.
There’s another word we want to focus on here: comfort. There are at least five different contributing factors to that, but memory foam is a good place to start. Rest assured, wearing these boots all day will feel like a breeze. No more blisters. No more regrets. You should know the focus on comfort is geared more towards modern agriculture rather than old-school cowboy life.
There’s a side to the cowboy boot that many might not appreciate. They’re great for certain fancy occasions. The fine tailoring and subtle hint of Western style are a great way to refresh your suiting. These USA handcrafted Justin boots have a patent and unpolished leather look, making them ideal for formal wear.
We recommend sticking to only the darkest realms of the tailoring market, so black, deep brown, gray, or very dark navy. Once your brooding cowboy attire is chosen, hit the floor with those free-wielding dance moves. The rubber outsole has enough grip and cushioning for hours. When the night is done, simply launch yourself onto the back of your steed, kick your Cuban heels, and disappear into the night.
Spend all day working in the fields, cruising in the pickup, or shooting the breeze in town. Whatever your plans are, these boots are 24/7 comfort facilitators (that’s a nice nickname for them too).
The rubberized traction underneath doesn’t scream out traditional cowboy. But it does prevent you from screaming out in pain because you haven’t worn in your new triple-welt leather soles. The reinforced carbon toe is even more scream protection—this time, due to falling heavy objects.
The carbon strength and nail-free construction also meet the ASTM electrical hazard standards. Who knew the modern work boot could be so scream-free and come with so much style?
If any cowboy boot for men was purpose-built to withstand destruction, it’s this one. The triple-layer waterproof system, a protective bootie Tricot material, a foam layer for comfort, and inner moisture-wicking linings. The cushiony Barnstormer rubber soles are highly resistant to melting at high temperatures. Terrible if you’re trying to make shoe-fondue, but great if you work around superheated objects.
Raising the safety standards, even more, you get a steel toe cap, and the 11″ shank guards you against chemicals, oils, heat, and scrapes. And high safety doesn’t mean low visual standards—the 10-row stitched pattern gets a 10 on the dapper scale. These boots are indestructibly good-looking.
Nothing says “cowboy” like exotic leather. And nothing says “exotic” like python skin. The good news is that you’re not involved in the alive snake to boot transformation. You can just relax and revel in its aesthetic.
On a more practical front, the broad square toe and stockman heel (straight with no angles or cutbacks) team up to make them a great hybrid ranch shoe. The cowboy boot brand launched in the 60s, knowing there was a better way to break comfort into cowboy boots. So, they introduced the rubberized heel and the cushioned footbed. Now you get a leather outsole that’s easy to replace and allows you to glide like a swan.
The orange, green, red, and blue stitching lend a vibrant touch to the light brown shaft, so the boot sure packs a personality. Wear a sandy suede or tan suede jacket alongside black jeans and a t-shirt to make this a dusty-colored fashion sandwich.
The muted, worn-in color of these Heritage boots gives you that antique feel you see in old western movies. They look like they’ve seen some things—mostly horses, though. These traditional cowboy boots were made for riding. But even though they’re tough as Teflon, you can easily slide into a line dance.
Experiment here with an oversized knit or cardigan with a Western print and some dark denim jeans. Of course, they’ll also look great with a traditional casual rancher combo of jeans, a t-shirt, and a flannel.
While Celine Homme isn’t exactly a real cowboy’s first choice, it’s a powerhouse in the fashion industry. The elegant, slimmed silhouette of these cowboy boots comes with a lower shaft cut, offering less protection and ease of movement. We love how the boots reference the metalwork of a steel-capped cowboy boot by leaving a shiny metallic line running over the toe box.
Mr. Porter styled it with the baggy patterned Cuban collar shirt. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. For some extra flair, try looser-fitting black jeans. A full cuff roll-up back on itself will reveal the intricacies of your denim work too.
Get out your frilly suede jacket, your best cowboy hat, your largest buckle piece belt, and your most sequined denim jeans… You, my good sir, are going to the rodeo. Some style guides might try to shy away from the inherent campiness of the rodeo, but the showiness and flair are very much a part of it. So, if you’re feeling it, why not jump in feet first.
This white leather boot is 100% leather, and the white of the upper is complemented by the contrasting brown of the outsole. These shoes are guilty of a little bit of nominative determinism. Since they are white diamonds in the rough, keep them away from the dirt and don them with pride.
These boots channel the patriot-military aesthetic into the best cowboy boots for men. Ariat is known for merging cowboy boots with modern workwear, so it’s not surprising. You get the best of both worlds with the stylish modern digital camo print over the rugged antique mocha suede material.
This shoe is best for those who love ranching just as much as they love their country. Not the best for horse-riding, but they’ll look right at home strolling through the long grass at sunset.
Black Cherry. Those two words ooze sophistication. The leather on these Laredo boots oscillates from lighter to darker reds. And over the years, the leather will develop a patina that is wholly yours.
These boots have many of the same capabilities as traditional cowboy boots. But the glossed outer and decorative vamp stitching make them worthy of being put on the mantelpiece. At the very least, they’ll be the talk of the dancefloor. This boot deserves to be whirled around after a few whiskeys.
These can veer away from classic cowboy styling a bit. If you’re taking them into the big city, try some selvage jeans and a dark chore jacket. Or maybe an overcoat for something a little up-market, which these sophisticated boots will be able to handle.
The upper is most often grained cowhide leather on the smooth side. Other common materials include suede, snakeskin, lizard skin, and other “exotic” animal skins. The reasoning is that leather tends to mold well to the wearer for comfort. It’s also super tough and develops a unique patina over time. One’s boot becomes their own.
As for the outsole, a super traditional design would feature a Goodyear welted leather sole. They were typically fixed by lemonwood and brass nails on the underside. Those benefits make a lot of things easier: dancing, replaceability, and horse riding. Not to mention a more traditional aesthetic and feel. However, they can slip and slide in wet weather, so the leather needs to be replaced more often than rubber. Keep in mind not all rubber outsoles are replaceable.
The advantages of a rubber outsole include good traction, a high degree of cushioning, and a modern aesthetic. Finally, there is a hybrid version in the rubber-capped heels. This provides more grip while not interfering with the stirrup interaction or dancefloor slides.
@drew_stoecklein / Instagram
Toe Room
Snip toe or D-toe has a squared tip.
A-toe is an even smaller squared tip.
A square toe provides more room for toes to breathe.
A wide-square toe gives even more room.
A rounded toe has conventional tapered curvature and is the most common.
A roper toe or U-toe is completely rounded in a “U” shape.
A pointed toe or J-Toe has a very pointed end.
Heel height
The height of the heel tends to determine use. The modern cowboy boot has moved away from being the domicile of a riding boot and now caters to all outdoor work. This requires less heel height (below 1 inch), with a straight (also known as a “roper”) heel, and it tends to come with a rubberized outsole. Whereas a traditional cowboy boot comes at between 1 and 2 inches, with an angled Western heel. This style functions exceptionally well riding in the stirrups.
FAQ
Treat them as you would a regular pair of boots. Just remember to play into their extravagance and Western heritage. Swapping them out for regular boots brings a Western attitude into your tailoring. But know that it suggests a certain irreverence and playfulness a future employer at a job interview might not appreciate, for example.
Cowboy boots feel at home in the “casual rancher” look with denim jeans, a white t-shirt, and a plaid flannel shirt. If you want to branch out, try a chore jacket, denim trucker jacket (not necessarily worn with jeans), or chunky knit. And don’t forget to play into the Americana vibe of the boot. Get yourself a nice suede number, chambray shirt, or long overcoat for extra flair. Or go full biker for a badass persona. If in doubt, check out Luka Sabbat.
Don’t wear shorts unless you want a stream of uninterrupted laughter wherever you walk. And strictly no skinny jeans.
A heel height of over 2 inches might suggest a heel catered more to the female market. Also, a style like the thinner heel body, one might also suggest being more feminine. Rarely are women’s boots found in exotic leathers, but floral motifs might occur on the vamps and shaft since they’re more traditionally feminine aesthetics.
While a pair of neon pink boots might not tend to interest a man statistically speaking, the main and obvious difference really comes down to the size of the feet. The male foot is, on average larger, and therefore boot manufacturers will cater to a range of sizes with a larger median size when catering to men.
Once in the boot, the arch should feel a slight amount of pressure across the top of the foot. Some suggest a sideways thumb to correctly judge where the tip of your toe should be in relation to the edge of the boot. It should be snug, but if they’re a little loose, insoles and thick socks are ways to combat that. If they’re too small in the beginning, they might loosen up slightly as the leather does. That being said, it’s always better to make sure they fit properly to begin with.
Let’s talk about bootcut. They come with space at the hem specifically to be worn with boots. Winner, winner, chicken dinner. A straight fit also provides requisite hem width, as does a looser fit, but no 90s rapper style, gents. That hasn’t come back in style (just yet). And no skinny jeans. You’ll look like a pixie, and it’ll be difficult to stretch over the boot.
As for washes, we recommend dark since that tends to work best with any kind of leather boot. As a general rule of thumb, adjust the lightness of the boot to the lightness of the denim. For example, don’t wear black jeans with a light tan. Check out these frayed edge off-white jeans with light brown cowboy boots for inspiration that deviates from the norm.
They say less is more – and when it comes to having hair that looks good with minimal effort, the French crop has little competition.
What exactly is it? Similar to a Caesar cut, the French crop consists of hair that is cut short on the back and sides, and kept slightly longer through the top, either combed forward over the forehead or pushed to the side depending on length.
It’s an easy to maintain, versatile haircut that works for men of all ages and style persuasions.
The Classic French Crop
The classic French crop is achieved by cutting or clippering the hair at the back and sides just enough to give the edges a little sharpness, but not so much as to dramatically contrast with the length on top. It’s all about balance and proportion.
The hair on top can be cut in a variety of different ways. For a slightly rugged, textured finish, have your stylist point cut into the hair to create a sawtooth effect. This is a particularly good way of reducing weight for those with thicker hair, or accentuating a natural curl.
For a sharper, neater appearance, blunt cutting is preferable. Producing a more solid shape, it also enables your stylist to ‘flatten’ your hair, which is great if it tends to stick up around the crown area.
Classic French Crop Examples
Longer Length Styles
If you desire more versatility from your cut, choose to leave the hair on top ever so slightly longer.
This additional length will allow you to create a range of short styles that can adapt to multiple occasions, from tidy quiffs and side partings for work to dishevelled, textured looks at the weekend.
Just remember to try and maintain that balance between the back and sides and top:
The Contemporary French Crop
Those looking for a more contemporary take on the French crop should consider opting for increased scalp exposure through the back and sides, which helps create a dramatic, disconnected feel.
The higher the clipper work and the shorter the grade used, the more eye-catching your French crop will look:
Celebrity Inspiration
Unlike buzz cuts, undercuts and pompadours, the French crop can be adapted to suit any face shape and – aesthetically – pairs well with pretty much any personal style. No surprise, then, that several celebrities count themselves as fans of the cut.
Long-time Hollywood leading man George Clooney sported one of the most famous French crops during his tenure as Dr. Doug Ross in US medical drama E.R. Throughout his stint on the show, Clooney maintained a classic tapered back and sides and styled the hair on top either forwards or to the side slightly. If it’s good enough for Clooney…
British TV personality Dermot O’Leary has also been sporting a French crop since switching from his skin tight buzz cut. Having naturally wavy hair, O’Leary is restricted in terms of the variety of styles he could try without going high maintenance, so opting for a French crop allows him to have a little more length through the top, yet still keep everything neat and tidy.
To strengthen the shape of his crop, he chooses to keep the front section quite close to the hairline – something that works particularly well if you have wavier hair:
Over the last few years, I’ve had numerous clients ask me for a style similar to Take That front man Gary Barlow’s. His is a modern French crop, with the back and sides taken tight to expose the scalp and create a clear contrast between these areas and the top of the head.
As well as contrast, Barlow varies the length of the hair on top, allowing him to play around with a variety of finishes and styles:
Styling The French Crop
Now that we’ve got your choice of cuts clear, here are several ways you can style the French crop, depending on the finish you’re after.
For a natural look, try applying some American Crew Light Hold Texture Lotion to clean, dry hair. This product gives a particularly textured finish, but it’s best suited to fine hair, as it doesn’t offer much hold.
If you need something a little stronger, try Tigi Hard To Get or Shu Uemura Shape Paste, both of which offer fine to medium hair types good hold and texture:
For a healthy, glossy finish, wash and dry your hair and then apply some American Crew Pomade or Grooming Cream. The Grooming Cream offers a strong hold and works particularly well for thicker, wavier or curlier hair types.
Pomade, on the other hand, is best used by fine to medium hair types and produces a sophisticatedly slick finish. However, if you don’t want the high shine look produced by pomade, try styling with a gel and then finish with a little Fudge Shine Spray:
To achieve a matte finish, I suggest using Fudge Matte Hed or Matte Hed Extra. Matte Hed is good for medium hair types, but if you’ve got particularly thick, wavy hair, then consider Matte Hed Extra, which has a good deal more guts to it and produces a richly textured finish – provided it’s worked well into the root area.
As an alternative, you could consider Kevin Murphy Rough Rider or Baxter Of California’s Clay Pomade – both are super-firm clays which work well on all hair types:
Final Word
Just like the crew neck white T-shirt and black leather jacket are considered menswear classics, the French crop is one of the most timeless, adaptable and low maintenance hairstyles a man can choose.
Is this a cut you’d consider, or do you think it’s a little too safe? If you’re a fan, what’s your favourite finish, and how do you achieve it?
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past five years, eating beetles for protein and washing in a muddy stream, you’ve no doubt noticed that menswear, as we know it, has undergone a transformation on a pretty fundamental level.
Tailoring has relaxed, men’s dress codes have become blurred, and the smartening up of sportswear has left bouncers at nightclubs all over the world scratching their big, round, boiled ham heads in confusion at the prospect of having to revise their “no trainers” policies.
Joggers are one of the critical items leading the charge during this pivotal era in menswear, and as men’s fashion mavericks continue to experiment with them, they are becoming ever more ingrained into the modern guy’s wardrobe.
The combination of a blazer, sweatpants and dress shoes was not long ago a style avenue reserved almost exclusively for old men who sit on park benches, drinking cans and shouting at pigeons. These days, however, you’re just as likely to see a similar look adorning the gents on the front row at fashion week – albeit styled with a touch more panache.
And while the elitists may turn their noses up, scoff and denounce joggers as a fad, it’s worth remembering that people of a similar mindset once said jeans wouldn’t last and that The Beatles were poisoning the minds of the youth. History has a habit of proving them wrong.
Speaking of history…
The History Of Joggers
Believe it or not, running as a form of voluntary exercise has origins in Ancient Greece, but spread after the modern Olympic games were re-introduced in 1896 and spread further after the ‘running boom’ of the 1970s. But after decades of training in ungainly attire, it was clear that something needed to change, and for one Frenchman, the solution was clear.
Émile Camuset wasn’t just any French dude; he was the French dude who founded world-renowned sportswear label Le Coq Sportif – which, FYI, translates to “the athletic rooster” – and he had understandably had quite enough of sweating his way around the track in whatever cumbersome legwear men were rocking at the time.
After some experimentation with fabrics and cuts, the classic jersey jogger we all know and love was born.
However, while joggers were built with a firm purpose in mind, today they’re much more. Just as with jeans and dress trousers before them, there are now many styles and shapes to take into consideration.
Types Of Joggers
Smart Joggers
No longer suitable only for track, field or sofa, the sweatpant revolution has seen this active/loungewear essential undergo a tailored transformation. Yes, the humble jogger has, as part of the athleisure trend, had a sartorial makeover, meaning dressing smartly no longer requires squeezing your lower portion into a pair of uncomfortable dress trousers for extended periods of time.
Think tailored, tapered legs and fine-gauge cotton that won’t sag at the knees. In fact, joggers have smartened up so much that wearing a pair with a shirt is no longer out of the question – something which just a few years ago would have been utterly unthinkable.
Sporty Joggers
Even purpose-built types of joggers haven’t escaped this new dawn in menswear. Once a baggy, billowy, grey marl affair, sporty joggers have shaped up, slimmed down, and somehow still managed to retain every ounce of comfort they boasted before.
Flattering cuts and technical fabrics are par for the course in this new sportswear movement, and now it’s possible to hit the gym and look slick at the same time. Until you’re drenched in sweat and purple in the face, that is.
Everyday Joggers
Perfect for everything from staying comfortable on a long-haul flight, to nipping out for a lunchtime bite – these classic, understated sweatpants have got your back no matter how you choose to spend your day.
With unbeatable comfort, total versatility and an increasing acceptance from menswear types, it may only be a matter of time before these modern casual classics take up the ‘favourite day-to-day legwear’ mantle from their denim cousins.
Lounge Joggers
Sometimes all a man wants to do with his Saturday afternoon/evening is to sprawl himself out on the sofa and watch questionable television while shovelling fistfuls of dry roasted peanuts into his face. Thankfully, there is a legwear option more than adequately equipped for the task at hand.
Lounge joggers are loose cut, insanely comfortable and somehow manage to be both airy and cosy at the same time. Basically, you’ll never want to take them off.
How To Style Joggers
Relaxing attitudes in menswear have blessed joggers with a new-found versatility, and rather than just teaming them with a tatty hoodie for a quick dash to pick up a hangover cure, there are now many ways to work a pair of sweatpants into a number of different outfits.
Here are the most stylish combinations, depending on your look.
Streetwear-Inspired
Trackies are nothing new on the street, and their current popularity is due, in part at least, to the merging of streetwear and high-fashion.
To give an insight on how to style your joggers for a streetwear-inspired look, who better to hear from than Hypebeast UK editor Jack Stanley?
“Keep it simple,” says Stanley. “Anything sporting or workwear-inspired can be paired very well with traditional joggers. Work jackets, technical waterproofs and bomber jackets [are] all great options.”
As far as footwear is concerned, Stanley is a firm believer in the importance of a good sneaker game: “I’d go for a classic pair of trainers, something like Reebok Classics or Air Force 1s, and top it off with a white tee.”
Simple, but effective.
Smart-Casual
Leaving the house in a pair of joggers for anything other than a walk to the gym or a jog around the park was once considered a cardinal style sin. But these days, it’s entirely possible to wear them as part of a smart-casual outfit. Sarah Gilfillan, personal stylist and founder of SartoriaLab, explains how to do it:
“I suggest either wearing a fine-gauge crew neck sweater or a fitted button-down shirt. It could even be in a jersey fabric, which carries through the sporty feel, without being as casual as a T-shirt.”
On the feet, Sarah’s a fan of the premium white leather trainer, and we’d have to agree. “Smart leather trainers like Common Projects or Lanvin would be my choice of footwear,” she says.
Top it off with a wool overcoat, denim jacket or unstructured blazer, and you’re good to go.
Tailoring
The idea of wearing a pair of joggers with any tailored clothing would’ve once solicited a hearty laugh from anyone with even a rudimentary understanding of menswear. Now it’s an altogether different state of affairs.
“Over the past few [years] we’ve seen a more refined jogger creep into menswear,” says freelance stylist and brand advisor Daniel Rhone.
The refined joggers that he refers to are a hybrid between dress trousers and sweatpants, melding the best traits from each. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to style.
“I like the idea of a wool jogger worn with a black Derby shoe and matching wool blazer for a modern take on the two-piece suit,” he says. Since this is as formal as you can go with joggers, stick to darker shades of grey, navy or black, but team with a casual, unstructured jacket that has soft shoulders and patch pockets. Soft, tactile materials should also be prioritised. A shiny, polyester blazer will make you look like you’ve broken your parole for the fifth time.
Down Time
There’s a certain irony about joggers. On the one hand, they were designed with the express intention of being worn to play sports and live actively in; conversely, they’re perfect for slumping yourself on the sofa like a beached whale, while you watch Netflix and consume your body weight in junk food.
But acting like a slob doesn’t mean you have to dress like a slob, and it’s definitely possible to bring a dash of style to proceedings, even if you’re just starfished on your bed, taking a nap with your cat.
“If you want to up the luxury factor with your joggers when chilling out, choose a cashmere sweater with the ‘V’ detailing of a sweatshirt,” says Gilfillan, adding that a logo-free hoodie could also work nicely.
“After that, just chuck on your trainers and bomber, or fur-lined denim jacket to go from sofa to street.”
Easy.
Sports Luxe
The sports luxe look is a direct result of the menswear mashup we spoke of earlier on. Think sport-inspired clothing and relaxed styling, with the odd wardrobe classic thrown in here and there.
Put bluntly, you wouldn’t wear it out for a swanky dinner, but you certainly wouldn’t wear it for a game of five-a-side either.
Joggers are the element that tends to anchor most sports luxe outfits, while other components can vary. A bomber jacket might make way for a denim jacket, but the joggers will usually remain.
Phie McKenzie, editor of fashion and music magazine Notion, advises on how to style: “I love a pair of joggers teamed with a simple, Scandi denim jacket,” she explains. “Something from Our Legacy or Acne Studios would work nicely, topped off with a statement tee and a pair of Converse.”
The Best Joggers Brands
Nike
We spoke about smart joggers, but it probably comes as little surprise that sportswear behemoth Nike’s offerings are a far cry from Savile Row. However, while they may not go down that well at an evening meal, they’ll more than compensate for it on the playing field.
Athletic cuts and cutting-edge fabrics are just part of what gives Nike some of the best sports joggers on the market.
Topman – one of the biggest and best-loved names on the high street, and now one of the premier destinations for a new pair of sweatpants. With near-unbeatable variety and value for money, it stocks joggers across the dress codes. Topman’s smart joggers are particularly good, so if you were thinking of giving the joggers-and-shirt thing a go, here’s your chance.
Swedish minimalist paradise and little brother of H&M may be the new kid on the block, but it’s definitely not pulling any punches. The new store crept onto the high street and the web with minimal fuss and is fast becoming a favourite among the more quality-conscious consumer.
Arket is geared towards the shopper who prefers to invest in durable, timeless items, as opposed to guzzling up fast fashion on the cheap. Needless to say, its sweatpants are some of the best on the high street.
When you think of the sort of preppy, north-east styling that Ralph Lauren has become synonymous with, jogging bottoms probably aren’t one of the first garments that would immediately spring to mind. Regardless, the New York label does make a mean set of sweatpants.
Expect simple styling, quality materials, a fuss-free aesthetic and, of course, that iconic Polo embroidery.
Luxury Italian sportswear label Stone Island is best known for its forward-thinking outerwear, but that is by no means where the brand’s talents end.
In addition to manufacturing some of the most visually stunning jackets on the market, using pioneering dyeing processes, the brand also makes some fantastic legwear. Buy your joggers from Stone Island and you’ll be met with superior quality materials, appealing details such as zipped pockets and its signature compass badge to the leg.
You just can’t go wrong with H&M. Need a jacket for a night out in a hurry? H&M. Forgotten to pack a clean work shirt on a trip out of town? H&M. After some joggers that will work in pretty much every conceivable situation but won’t leave you out of pocket? You guessed it – H&M.
The Swedish behemoth stocks a vast selection of sweatpants, tailored or gym-ready.
There’s every possibility that streetwear, as we know it today, would never have even come into existence if it hadn’t been for Shawn Stussy’s eponymous surfwear label. The brand pioneered the bold graphics and loose cuts that the scene is now known for and made fashion history in the process.
The iconic streetwear label offers several alternative takes on the average jogger, with features such as bold logo tape branding, reverse fabrics and striking patterns.
It might not have the widest selection on the high street, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The Japanese retail chain has gained a reputation during its relatively short lifespan for offering quality that belies its affordable price points, and when it comes to joggers, things are no different.
For a comprehensive mix of timeless classics and up-to-the-minute trends, River Island is one of the British high street’s most reliable names. With a vast selection of clothes and accessories to suit every imaginable taste, you’re bound to find what you’re looking for.
Regarding joggers, River Island’s designs provide an extremely satisfactory bang-to-buck ratio. With the whole spectrum of styles and cuts, in all colours of the rainbow, you’ll be hard pushed to visit and leave empty-handed.
For a brand to be held in equally high regard by both weather-beaten workmen and streetwear fanatics is no easy feat, but one of the few to have managed it is Carhartt. The iconic heritage workwear label turned its gaze toward the streetwear community with the launch of its Work In Progress line and as a result, has produced some excellent joggers.
Think streetwear styling with a workwear heart. Solid, reliable joggers that could stand up to some punishment, but wouldn’t look out of place with an oversized tee and a pair of Jordans.
You can’t think of sportswear and not think of Adidas. It’s impossible. The German label is so ingrained in the world of sporty clobber that it should go without saying that its joggers are some of the best around.
For high-tech fabrics, lightweight construction, retro styling and slim, modern fits, look no further.
Champion has been making comfortable sports apparel for the best part of a century, but despite its heritage and knack for experimenting with technical materials, it usually comes without the hefty prices that some sports luxe brands charge.
Its joggers collection includes slimline cuts for the street, technical pairs for the gym and comfortable fleece options for Netflix indulgences.
Of all the covert workhorses plying their trades across your body, the humble undershirt deserves a spot in the hall of fame. It’s the last line of defense between your body and whatever prized main layer you happen to be wearing over it.
And though this crucial base layer seems simple at its core, you may be surprised to learn of its complexities. The best undershirts for men come in all shapes, sizes, and materials. They even serve different purposes. Some men’s undershirts, for instance, are designed to wick away sweat, making them ideal for working out or generally being active outside. Others serve the opposite end of the spectrum by recirculating your body heat to keep you nice and toasty for après-ski.
Point is: Undershirts. They’re important. And you shouldn’t stock up on them until you carefully consider your lifestyle and which versions will make the most sense for you. This is serious business. Don’t screw it up.
(Related: This is not serious business, and it’s totally fine if you screw it up.)
We’re going to kick off our opus to men’s undershirts with a caveat. Ready? Here goes. There are a lot of “fancy” underthings on this list. Shirts made with luxurious fabrics. Shirts with elaborate features. Each has its place and function, but here’s the kicker: They’re just undershirts. Let’s not take them too seriously, friends. Let’s stock up, toss them on, and let them work their decidedly unsexy magic.
To that end, sometimes the best men’s udnershirts is a choice looking you right in the face. In this case, it’s the Hanes tagless t-shirt in a cotton-polyester blend that’s available in 30 color options. Put it on, be comfortable, be happy.
Material: Cotton, Polyester | Colors available: 30 Color Options | Sizes Available: S-5XL | Sleeves: Short
CDLP comes in hot and very much sleeveless with this silky-soft lyocell and cotton undershirt – a serious contender on our best undershirts for men competition. No undergarment-adjacent stone was left unturned in the construction of this relaxed fit tank, making it a clear add to your burgeoning stable of the best undershirts for men.
Now, is this something you’ll want to bust out for rooftop cocktails? No. Nope. Never do that. But is it the clearest of clear choices for wearing under a wool (read: itchy) sweater or during a night at home catching up on a show in your favorite boxer briefs? Yes. Yes, it is.
Material: Lyocell, Pima Cotton | Colors available: White | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Sleeves: Tank Top
It’s true, almost all of the best undershirts are available in white. But this one is so pure, so organic, so… still pure, that it would be a travesty to procure it in any other color. Everlane is known for producing strong, durable, handsome garments built to stand the test of time. This humble yet hardworking tee is no exception.
The organic cotton will break in and get softer throughout the years. The fit is slim, so it can be worn below the top layer or be the top layer. It’s time to step up your plain-white-tee game, and it starts with this one.
Material: 100% Organic Cotton | Colors available: White (and 11 others, but… go white) | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Sleeves: Short
Spanx for men? Yes, Spanx for men.
Great, now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s shift our focus to what makes this one of the best men’s undershirts out there. The compression of this cotton wonder helps firm anything that needs a good firming. Meanwhile, a hint of spandex keeps you moving without feeling confined, and subtle seams help keep your undershirt undetectable.
Wear it under more form-fitting top layers, or any time a compression undershirt makes sense for you. While this should be considered a nice-to-have addition to your shirt drawer, it’s far from all you need, so stock up elsewhere accordingly.
Material: Cotton, Spandex | Colors available: White, Black | Sizes Available: S-XL | Sleeves: Short
It’s tough to beat the cooling power of Duluth Trading Company’s Armachillo men’s undershirt. Every last stitch has been well thought out with the sole purpose of keeping you cool and comfortable regardless of when you’re wearing it.
The key is the infusion of microscopic jade within the nylon-spandex fabric. Legend (and science) has it that this infusion helps disperse heat and feels cool on the skin. Couple this wizardry with its sweat-wicking performance, smooth seams to reduce chafing, and odor-fighting properties, and you’ve got yourself a technical everyday undershirt minus the technical price tag.
If you’re a tall guy, you’ve likely encountered the dreaded and all-too-common scenario of your undershirt coming untucked every time you bend over or raise your arms. Mr. Davis and its aptly named The Undershirt That Stays Tucked aim to remedy that once and for all.
Constructed from bamboo and spandex, it’s made to stretch with your movements. And the length of this men’s undershirt comes from an extended section in the back only, which offers a more targeted solution. Bonus: It comes in a handful of colorways, has v-neck or crew options, and is available in tailored or traditional cuts.
Material: Bamboo Viscose, Spandex | Colors available: White, Gray, Black | Sizes Available: XS-XXXL | Sleeves: Short
Before we even get into the impressive technical aspects that help make this one of the best undershirts for men, we need to address the colors. As in, there are lots of them available. Fourteen, to be exact, ranging anywhere from iron blue to brier rose to a moody green dubbed Smoke Spruce.
It’s nice to have options. But it’s also nice to have a shirt made with abrasion-resistant fabric, quick-drying properties, and Lululemon’s No-Stink Zinc technology designed to help reduce odor. It’s an undershirt. It’s the main t-shirt. It’s time to stock up.
Material: Cotton, Nylon, Lyocell, Elastane | Colors available: 14 Color Options | Sizes Available: XS-XXL | Sleeves: Short
Micro modal fabric. What do those three words mean to you? If you said, “I’m so glad you asked because this is all I think about—it’s a type of fabric that’s impossibly comfortable and has the properties of silk minus the maintenance, plus it feels like a second skin like the name of this Tommy John undershirt suggests,” well… wow. Fair enough. Good calls.
But if it doesn’t yet mean anything to you, just pop on this classic crew-neck undershirt and let it take things from there.
Material: Micro Modal, Spandex | Colors available: White, Black | Sizes Available: S-4XL | Sleeves: Short
Though it’s still in its infancy, Vuori has deservedly developed a reputation for delivering outstanding garments that feel like the sartorial equivalent of swan diving into a vat of butter.
Too much? Too bad, because that’s precisely what the Strato Tech Tee delivers on. This worthy entry into our list of the best undershirts for men is sweat-wicking, controls odor, has a 30+ UPF rating, and is likely one of the softest, most comfortable shirts that your torso will ever have the pleasure of meeting.
Material: Polyester, Elastane | Colors available: 10 Color Options | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Sleeves: Short
The winter undershirt is a key article of clothing. Choose an option that’s too heavy, and your layers will work against you, locking sweat in. Go too light, and the elements are inevitably going to find their way in.
Dickies meets your torso in the middle with this heavyweight crew neck that’s not too heavy and not too light. It comes in 15 colors and is roomy enough to be worn on or off the job (even if the job site is a mountain lodge and the job is sipping hot toddies by the fire).
Material: Cotton | Colors available: 15 Color Options | Sizes Available: S-4XLT | Sleeves: Long
The long sleeve undershirt is a fickle beast. Which is just to say… it’s pretty specific and perhaps tough to define. It’s not quite a base layer for those biting days on the slopes. It’s not quite thermal underwear, either. So what is it?
In Uniqlo’s case, it’s a super soft, body odor controlling, moisture-wicking, quick-drying base layer that somehow manages to be damned cozy while it’s at it. We could also see you pulling this look off with a relaxed pair of jeans or fitted joggers. As long as you can see your breath when you step outside, versatility is the throughline here. Unless you just run cold, then it’s whatever.
Material: Polyester, Acrylic, Rayon, Spandex | Colors available: White, Gray, Black, Navy | Sizes Available: XS-3XL | Sleeves: Long
When it comes to men’s undershirts, “performance” can mean a lot of things. Sports performance. Exercise performance. Walking down the street with a turkey sandwich in one hand and a phone in the other… performance.
All that matters is that your performance shirt is stretchy, comfortable, helps wick sweat away, keeps you cool, and doesn’t bunch up in all the wrong places. Twillory’s performance undershirt offers all of those features, plus it’s long enough to stay tucked in, and it comes in a beige color designed to keep it invisible even under a white shirt.
Once upon a time, there was a four-figure t-shirt made in Italy from some of the world’s most luxurious wool. The end.
Although if the story of this over-the-top garment had a second version, it might include being mentioned in a roundup of the best undershirts. Why? Because it comes in a handful of stunning colorways and is so comfortable that it may as well not even be there. Why else? Because even the man who has everything probably doesn’t have one of these.
Material: Wool | Colors available: White, Black | Sizes Available: XS-XL | Sleeves: Short
And so we find ourselves at the end of our journey through the finest men’s undershirts in the land. Hey, this has been fun—but it’s nowhere near complete without the ubiquitous and oh-so-necessary undershirt multi-pack.
Carrying the honor in this category is none other than the crown prince of Americana himself, Ralph Lauren. What this slim-fit, 100% cotton three-pack lacks in sartorial accoutrement, it more than makes up for in pure utilitarianism. All you need to know is that your torso is in good hands with these crispy white or black base layers.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: White, Black | Sizes Available: S-XL | Sleeves: Short
This men’s undershirt is all about combating sweat, smell, and other nasty “s” words (but mostly those first two since we can’t think of anything else at the moment). The laundry list of summer-friendly features seems endless—underarm pads designed to wick sweat away, a tagless design to prevent itching, lightweight and breathable cotton construction.
If you sweat a lot, this shirt is an absolute must. But you’ll also want to stock up on these immediately if you’re a fan of the minimalist look and oftentimes find yourself outside during the warmer months. Or if your job or general lifestyle frequently calls for a base layer with something more formal on top of it. Or always.
Hidden in plain sight by design, they’ll never even know this slim fit, extra long, light-as-air ribbed tank is there. The cotton-modal-spandex blend adds just enough weight to let you know it’s there but is otherwise light as a feather, just as any of the best undershirts for men should be.
This is a nice covert addition to a dark happy-hour shirt or any occasion requiring a jacket (as long as said jacket stays on). Means, yes, weddings are fair game as long as you don’t fall victim to the open bar and its devastating ability to de-suit even the most proper of guests. Translation: If you’re going to shed layers, keep this one under wraps.
There are several advantages to opting for a ribbed undershirt, the least of which involves borderline inappropriate levels of comfort. They’re designed to ebb and flow with your body’s movements, and the best of them are made from Supima cotton—the softest of the soft.
Oh, look, here comes one now. Meet Ribbed Tee’s CoolWear men’s undershirt. Its deep v-neck ensures no errant pima fabric will peek its way through your top layer, while the generous length is designed to stay put when you’re doing your thing on the wedding reception dance floor. If your thing is dancing, that is. Otherwise, we’re afraid we can’t promise anything.
Neat has brought some interesting tech to the table with its t-shirts and undershirts. Without getting too sciencey on you, these undershirts naturally absorb your sweat and body odor, then channel them through a maze-like network of fabrics built into your shirt. This dispersal of sweat and odor helps keep you feeling dry and comfortable all day long.
Meanwhile, Neat’s technology focuses on keeping the outside of your undershirt wrinkle-free and generally crispy regardless of how much you sweat. This is particularly useful if you’re planning on making your undershirt an overshirt. And if you sweat a lot.
Material: Cotton, Spandex | Colors available: White | Sizes Available: S-3XL | Sleeves: Short
Girav was founded in the Netherlands under the simple premise that guys there are generally pretty tall, and undershirts aren’t typically designed with pretty-tall guys in mind.
To that end, every Girav shirt is available in standard, long-fit, and extra-long-fit sizes. If you’re a taller guy and can’t seem to find an undershirt that doesn’t go rogue every time you’re active, the long or extra long Sydney would like a word. It’s a basic crew neck shirt you can wear with a suit, a sweater, or as its own top layer. No wrong turns here.
Material: 100% Cotton | Colors available: 35 Color Options | Sizes Available: S-3XL | Sleeves: Short
If you’re not wearing your v-necks loud and proud as a top layer for everyone to see, you’re not doing it right. And by that, we mean the exact opposite of that. Make no mistake about it, the V (particularly the deep V) should be out of sight, out of mind.
Enter this super soft Tencel number from Ribbed Tee. Its deep V will respect the “under” in undershirt, but you’re also working with a few other bells and whistles like a forgiving stretch, thanks to the perfect amount of spandex. It’s also got a long back tail to keep it from coming untucked. Party up front, business in the back.
Material: Tencel, Spandex | Colors available: White, Light Gray, Tan | Sizes Available: S-XXL | Sleeves: Short
What To Look For When Buying The Best Undershirts For Men
Purpose
With so many options to consider when looking for the best undershirts for men, it’s no wonder there are seemingly endless utilities for them.
There are technical undershirts, sweat-wicking undershirts, even options for short and tall men. Before jumping at the first name-brand 6-pack of undershirts, look around to see if there’s a brand that caters to your specific needs (hint: there is).
Though it might seem trivial at first blush, the color of the best undershirts for men can have a big impact on the overall look of your outfit. Some shirts come in shades designed to mimic various skin tones, which help them become more undetectable under white or light shirts.
Others are offered in a rainbow of colors that can be worn above or below another layer. Though the typical inclination is to automatically opt for white, each color has its purpose.
Length
If your undershirt is made of an exceptional fabric that you don’t mind using as a top layer, you’ll want to opt for a length that’s appropriate to be shown off for everyday wear. The best undershirts for men are plenty and should be considered.
But if you’re in the market for a true undershirt that you’ll wear beneath a top layer, there’s no shortage of extended-length options designed to stay tucked in while you’re active.
Final Verdict
With the dizzying array of options at your disposal, it can be easy to fall down a hole while searching for the best undershirts for men, especially when looking at of styles, fabrics, bells, and whistles. But at the end of the day, these are undershirts… let’s not overthink them.
Topping our list of the best undershirts for men is the humble Hanes tagless t-shirt, which was no accident. It’s important to keep your shirt drawer full of interesting garments for all occasions, sure, but it’s also important to keep it full of battle-tested workhorses.
FAQ
The tank top is a popular and widely available style to wear as an undershirt. Avoid wearing it under white dress shirts, though, and never pair this very specific garment with a suit. Tank tops could be a good fit if you don’t sweat much but prefer a soft (often ribbed) shirt between your skin and a non-white top layer.
A better question might be when shouldn’t you wear an undershirt. With so many options and utilities, the best undershirts for men should work for almost every situation you might find yourself in. Generally speaking, you should wear an undershirt any time you’re looking for an effective line of defense between your top layer and your body’s sweat and odors.
This roundup will be published monthly. It is meant to highlight some of healthcare’s recent hiring news and is not intended to be comprehensive. If you have news about an executive appointment, resignation or layoff that you would like to share for this roundup or the MedCity Moves podcast, please reach out to [email protected].
Here is a selection of recent executive hires, promotions and layoffs occurring across the healthcare industry.
Hires
Aledade welcomed Helena Day Christianson as chief people officer. In the past, she has held executive roles at tech companies like FitBit, Square, Block and Quantum Metric.
Banner Health appointed Michael Reagin to the newly created role of chief technology officer. He has held leadership roles at a variety of health systems, including Cleveland Clinic, Providence and Sentara Healthcare.
Cayaba Caregot a new CEO — Adeaze Enekwechi, former associate director for health programs at the White House Office of Management and Budget. She currently holds several board positions at healthcare companies, including MedStar Health, Tia and the Public Health Institute.
Ervin Ukaj joined Newel Health as CEO. He most recently served as senior manager of strategy and growth at Novartis.
Chris Ricaurte joined digital health company Parsley Health as co-CEO alongside its founder Robin Berzin. He comes to Parsley from VillageMD, where he served as CFO and COO.
NRC Health appointed Jennifer Baron as its first chief experience officer. She comes to the company from UC Davis Health, where she served as chief experience officer.
VillageMD, which is owned by Walgreens, welcomed Jim Murray to the organization as president and COO. He joins the organization from Centene, where he most recently served as COO and chief transformation officer.
Exits
L.A. Care Health Plan CEO John Baackes will be retiring at the end of the year. He has been leading the company, which is the largest public health plan in the U.S., for nearly a decade.
Teladoc Health announced that its CEO, Jason Gorevic, had stepped down from his role after 15 years leading the company. The telehealth provider’s CFO, Mala Murthy, has stepped up as interim CEO.
Layoffs
98point6 eliminated an undisclosed number of positions.
Hinge Health laid off about 10% of its staff.
Optum is shutting down its virtual care business. Employees have taken to social media to post about their layoffs and seek new jobs, but the number of affected employees is unknown.
Sanofi is cutting an undisclosed number of jobs and getting rid of several oncology research projects.
UPMC is laying off about 1,000 staff members, which is 1% of its workforce. The affected roles are nonclinical.
We’re going to assume that you’ve heard of the mohawk, that pointy, green thing that lived on the heads of punk rockers and which has also been co-opted in other forms by men as diverse as Travis Bickle, Mr T and David Beckham. It’s a strong look. You may not, however, be as confident identifying its second cousin twice restyled, the faux hawk.
Much more practical and a lot less threatening, the faux hawk will let you pass through door frames unobstructed and won’t be a barrier at job interviews, either. For visual cues, think late 2000s Beckham, pre-shorn Zayn Malik and current ageing-like-a-fine-wine-era Brad Pitt – they’ve all donned the faux hawk and done a good job of it.
You can too – because we’ve got all the tips and tricks that you need to make this punk-inspired style rock your world.
What Is A Faux Hawk?
Where a mohawk involves a shaved head with a dramatic strip of hair left in the middle, the faux hawk takes some of the same rules and applies them in a way that doesn’t leave OAPs tutting. More versatile and accessible, it won’t obliterate your chances of pulling outside of a spit and sawdust pub, either.
“The defining features of a faux hawk are a short back and sides but with longer than usual hair on the top – not as much length as a pompadour, but long enough that the hair can be spiked up or formed into a point,” says Jason Collier, a celebrity hair stylist who has tended to the heads of Justin Timberlake and Damian Lewis.
“It’s much more of a crowd-pleaser, less dramatic than a mohawk and has a sleek, urban sophistication to it that makes it a far more wearable look.”
In layman’s barbershop terms, the faux hawk is longer than a short back and sides with a bit of spike action going on in the middle, usually at the front of the head. How dramatic the peak is up to you. It’s a cut that’s not painfully boring but nor will it leave a trail of raised eyebrows in its wake.
How To Choose The Right Faux Hawk
There are two crucial things that you need to consider if you’re thinking of getting the faux hawk installed on your head: your face shape and your lifestyle.
Those with a longer face (rectangular, triangular) will need to make sure that their faux hawk doesn’t have too much length on top and the sides aren’t taken too tight, as this will add even more length. Those with a wider face shape (heart, round) should follow the opposite advice by adding height on top and going shorter on the sides. Like with any cut, you need to think about what will provide balance to your mug, apart from oval-faced guys – who can pretty much do whatever the hell they want.
Here’s another head’s up: those artfully tousled faux hawks seen on the crowns of celebs are not the result of rolling from bed to red carpet. The longer your faux hawk is on top, the more effort it will take to get it into the right position and stay there. If you’re time short, go short.
How To Style A Faux Hawk
Making this punk spin-off stand to attention doesn’t call for slathering your head with industrial-strength hair gel, Collier says. The key to getting it right lies in preparation as well as product.
“To style the faux hawk, keep it simple,” Collier says. “If you have fine or straight hair, you can leave your hair to dry as normal before styling, but if you have thicker or wavy hair, you might want to blast it dry and brush it through to get a sleeker finish.”
Apply product with caution. Too heavy handed and you’ll be rocking rock-hard spikes instead of a strategically messed up mound. “A strong-hold hair wax is the best product to use on this kind of style; use an amount the size of a pea and warm it between your palms, spread it across your hands and get some heat into it.”
Because the faux hawk is designed to be quick and messy, you won’t need a lot of mirror time or styling tools to get it right. “Simply use your fingers to push the lengths of the hair up, and tweak it until you’re happy with how the area looks,” says Collier. “You could go completely spiky and separate each area, but the best finish for this kind of look is all pulled up, a little messy, nothing too ‘done’.”
The Faded Faux Hawk
Like the mohawk in its purest form, the faded faux hawk bares a bit of your head but does it in a way that won’t make little old ladies cross the street as you approach. It’s still clutching onto just the right amount of the original style’s punk swagger.
Ria Smallwood for The Bluebeards Revenge
How To Get It
“To achieve a faded faux hawk, ask your barber to set the clippers on 0, then the hair should be faded into a grade 2, using 0.5 to 2 grades,” says hair stylist Joseph Lanzante, who runs one of the UK’s best barbering training academies.
“On top, hair should be of uniform length but layered. To finish this style use paste to define and separate the hair.”
The Short Faux Hawk
This short haircut is ideal for men who want to give peak punk as wide a berth as possible. It’s got plenty of textural interest up top, but you can still wear it to your office without getting a passive-aggressive email from Sarah in HR.
How To Get It
“A clipper fade will achieve a sharp uniform look for a short faux hawk: the shorter the fade the greater the overall contrast will be,” says Josh Thorner, a stylist at London’s Manifesto Barbers. Agree with your barber on the maximum length through the middle, asking for a round shape to be cut into the connect at each side.
“Length on top should be graduated from the back to the front, retaining length at the fringe. To style, a surf spray will help create lots of texture – apply to your hair when damp and dry with a diffuser hair dryer, then finish off with clay for a matte look.”
The Shaggy Faux Hawk
For men whose hair is most often in a natural state of disarray, the shaggy faux hawk is a cut which will smarten things up while obediently co-operating with the hair’s natural curls or waves. Big on texture up top with not much going on at the sides, the shaggy faux hawk walks the line between groomed and woke-up-like-this with some swagger.
How To Get It
“Ideally the the top should be at least 4 inches long and shaved at the sides: I would recommend having the top chopped into to add texture as this will help the peak to not fall flat,” says Joe Mills, hair stylist and owner of Joe and Co.
“To style, use some sea salt spray and apply to damp, clean hair. Then use a hair dryer to blast it dry, using your fingers to lift the front to create a messy quiff then finish with a matte paste.”
The Medium Faux Hawk
Usually, we’d call bad form on commitment-phobes. However, in the case of those who want to play it safe with a medium-length hairstyle, we’ll allow it because fence sitting rarely looks this good. Less extreme than a long or faded faux hawk but edgier than a short faux hawk, it’s one of those perfectly well-rounded styles that can also become something else without much drama.
How To Get It
“To get a medium faux hawk hairstyle requires using hair clippers at the back and sides from grade 3 up to a grade 4,” says Lanzante. “On the crown of the head hair should be layered in uniform length and defined and textured using a medium shine paste.”
The Long Faux Hawk
Ideal for guys with a lot of time on their hands and a perfect oval face (aka lucky gits) the long faux hawk is the pretty much the follicular antithesis to the buzz cut: it’s dramatic, loud and requires maintenance to stay in peak condition.
How To Get It
“For a long faux hawk ask for a clipper fade at the back and sides of your head, but one which isn’t too short,” says Thorner. “Ask your barber to keep the top disconnected from the sides; the top should be cut from the back to front and the back should be the shortest point. Ask for lots of length at the fringe.
“Texturise when dry with a styling cream. Apply this to damp hair then use a hair dryer to blow dry it upwards and backwards. If you need added hold, once dry, blast the hair with cold air, which will seal the cuticle to help keep it upright.” Finish with a hairspray if you find your style still doesn’t last the day.
The Undercut Faux Hawk
The undercut faux hawk is a feat of follicular management, so you’ll need to very happy in your barber’s company if you opt for this style. Long and messed up on the top and faded (but disconnected) at the sides, it’s another high-drama, high-maintenance style.
How To Get It
“This is a slightly shorter version of the shaggy faux hawk, but the underlying idea is the same. The top is still disconnected but with less length throughout,” says Mills. “However, you do still need enough length so the finished style doesn’t look like an accident.
“I’d recommend a minimum of a couple of inches. The whole concept of this haircut is that it has a slightly DIY feel about it. Use a texture spray on clean damp hair (five pumps throughout) and then blast dry with a hair-dryer. Finish with a grooming cream and add some texture with your fingers.”
It’s 1968, an NBC TV special. There’s a small stage, surrounded by primly-dressed women with big bouffant dos and men dressed as though they might be accountants. On the stage is a raven-maned man who occasionally sits on the steps to be among the people. But he is clearly not of the people – not least because he is in head to toe black leather. He’s the embodiment of rock’n’roll. He is, of course, Elvis Presley.
It’s not a look that would be easily pulled off unless one was a rock’n’roll legend, or perhaps a TT Race rider. But for Elvis it marks not just his famed comeback but the pivotal point in his wardrobe. Thereafter, through the 1970s, he would lapse, along with his fried peanut butter sarnie waistline, into pure stagewear: the rhinestones, the flares, the capes and those Bill Belew-designed, high-collared white jumpsuits (perfect for those black belt karate moves), like some hip-swiveling anti-Dracula. This, unfairly, tarnished Elvis’ reputation as a style icon.
Even Elvis wasn’t such a fan of it. That legendary, $10,000 gold lame suit of a decade earlier, which Colonel Parker commissioned for Presley from the rodeo tailor Nudie Cohn – the very man who made Johnny Cash the ‘Man in Black’? He didn’t much like that either – he’d often swap the trousers out for something plain and black. In the end he only wore the full suit three times. When it was suggested a new version be created for his ’68 comeback, Presley declined. “I have to be honest with you,” Presley said to Belew. “I always hated that suit.”
Presley’s earlier wardrobe, throughout most of 1950s, was much more him, and ironically, much more now. Think of Elvis today and you might first imagine ‘showtime’ Elvis – all exaggerated hair and jumpsuited up – but it’s his earlier dress sense that marks him out as a true style icon. And it feels particularly relevant today – Cuban collar shirts, wide-legged, pleated trousers, blousons – these are all garments making the rounds on the menswear circuit, but they were also integral to Elvis’ 1950s style wardrobe. He did it all first.
Elvis wearing a Cuban collar shirt in 1955
On stage, he said, generally he’d wear clothes “as flashy as you can get them”. “[But] in public,” he added, “I like real conservative clothes, something that’s not too flashy”. Indeed, in many respects Presley wore the clothes of his era. As a young man he’d shop at Lansky Bros in Memphis – to which he was a loyal customer all his life – where he learned to pop up his collar and where he bought high-waisted pegged trousers, two tone shoes or simple black loafers, short sleeve shirts, loose-fitting sack suits, skinny or bootlace ties: rockabilly, in other words.
One thing he wouldn’t wear, no matter how fashionable they became: jeans. Presley always associated working clothes with the sharecropping poverty of his youth. He’d only wear them if, say, a film role the likes of Jailhouse Rock demanded it. Or if money did. Ironically, Elvis lent his name to Levi’s for their ‘Elvis Presley’ style, the first black denim jeans.
In 1956, wearing a Cuban collar shirt, black trousers, penny loafers and argyle socks
“He was very much a product of his time,” argues Dennis Nothdruft, curator at London’s Fashion & Textiles Museum, “albeit a very fashionable version. What made him stand out was less his clothes as him – because he was extremely attractive and he had this louche quality about him, which shows in how he wore the clothes. They seemed to be less fitted as draped on him, which reflected the way he moved. I think it’s fair to say he wouldn’t be a first choice for purely sartorial reasons but he did have a certain something about him and, of course, he did look incredibly cool in that black leather for his comeback.”
Performing on the NBC special in 1968, wearing the famous all-leather outfit
Indeed, even at its most preposterous off-stage, Elvis managed to pull it off. When he met with a strait-laced Richard Nixon in the White House in 1972, Presley wore a gold-buttoned pea coat style jacket draped over his shoulders, a shirt with a collar bigger than the lapels on Nixon’s jacket, and a belt with a buckle the size of his head. Well, what else would a King wear to meet a President? “You dress kinda strange,” Nixon is said to have commented. “Well, Mr. President,” Elvis is said to have replied, “you got your show, and I got mine”.
Even when wearing what might seem merely his contemporaneous clothing choices, there was plenty of attention to detail. When he started making money Presley had his shirts made bespoke – he had elastic added at the cuffs and the elbows to give the sleeves a more billowing look. He was, unlike more pedestrian men of his era, comfortable wearing colour: for shirts and socks his favourite was bubblegum pink, then considered a distinctly feminine shade.
He’d happily clash patterns. He’d get his grandmother to embroider his shirts with some distinctive detail. His jewellery, of course, became increasingly excessive, but started with subtleties the likes of his ‘TCB’ (‘taking care of business’) signet ring – a deft bit of personal, and later profitable, branding.
Elvis eating an army-supplied packed lunch on the day he reported for duty, 1958
And then, crowning it all, of course, was that hair, a long, unfashionable pompadour – inspired by Presley’s time working as a truck driver, that being the signature ‘do for the kings of the road through the early 1950s – and most definitely counter to the favoured crewcuts of the period. Presley knew just how important what one disapproving child psychiatrist called that “badge of emptiness” was to his style, his rebel image and to his sex appeal. His hair was regularly dyed to ensure Presley’s naturally sandy blonde colour achieved that jet black shade – men dyeing their hair was unheard of at the time – and required three different kinds of hair wax, at the same time, to achieve the desired look. He’d have a jojoba oil and vitamin E scalp massage daily.
That Elvis was aware of his image was certain. What he was less aware of was the impact it would have on menswear at large. While his performance attire was never likely to be emulated, the sheer magnitude of Presley’s fame – enhanced by his starring in 31 movies over just 13 years, genuinely redefining celebrity in the process – meant that his more personal wardrobe inevitably would be.
“I think most people would think of, say, Paul Newman or James Dean as stylish men from roughly that era before they’d think of Elvis,” as John Harrison, the creative director of Gieves & Hawkes has it. “But it’s different if, say, you work in the fashion industry. Then Elvis embodies that whole ’50s look. He’s definitely a style icon.”
Three Key Elvis Looks
Workwear Chic
In King Creole (1959) Elvis wore the most workmanlike outfit of his career – even against the stylist prison uniform of Jailhouse Rock. A chambray shirt over a white T-shirt, flat-fronted, wide-legged trousers and a moleskin, twin pocketed blouson. Elvis returned to similar jacket styles throughout the ’50s and beyond, and it’s easy to see why. Today this look is easily replicated and has recently been plugged by the likes of Prada x Mr Porter, Oliver Spencer and Burberry.
Rebellious Tailoring
For one of his earlier performances, around 1956, Elvis dressed in a way that simultaneously mirrored convention and defied it: he wore black trousers and loafers, with a white shirt under a loose fitting, contrasting tailored jacket. It was smart but sassy too, even disruptive. “I can’t over-emphasise how shocking he looked and seemed to me that night,” one Roy Orbison would later recall. Apparently the first thing Elvis did was to spit some gum onto the stage. Disapproving mothers no doubt fainted on the spot.
Mid-Century Ease
One of the key attractions of Elvis’ early style was the ease of it. Yes, the way he wore his clothes added to his nonchalance, but the garments themselves were simple and easy to wear. Today, in a confusing world of fluorescent streetwear and flossing, this is an enticing way of dressing. Take this look as a case in point – it’s made up of straight leg trousers, an open neck polo shirt, a bomber jacket and white sneakers. It’s not going to change the world, but it’s an effortless combo that anyone can recreate. And no, he’s not flossing.
The MedCity Moves Podcast is back with another episode. During the April edition, Senior Reporter Katie Adams explores some of the executive appointments, promotions and exits occurring in the healthcare world over the past month, including new leaders at VillageMD, Aledade and Banner Health. She also discusses healthcare layoffs, such as the recent rounds of job cuts at Optum, UPMC and Sanofi.
For this episode’s guest interview, Adams chats with Adaeze Enekwechi, who recently became CEO of the maternal health startup Cayaba Care. To learn more about Enekwechi’s career journey and what she has planned as she takes the helm at Cayaba, click here:
“A well-tied tie,” said Mr Oscar Wilde, “is the first serious step in life.” And like many quotes about men’s fashion and style, its breezy exterior masks something more profound.
A well-tied tie in general, and a well-tied, self-tied bow tie in particular, is one of those things that’s a lot trickier to pull off than one might imagine, and, in common with other arcane initiations – an impeccably clean wet-shave, say, or mastering the loading and unloading of a dishwasher – marks a rite-of-passage into poised, self-possessed adulthood.
Are we investing too much weight in what is, after all, a mere ribbon of fabric draped artfully around a shirt collar? Not a bit of it. No outfit has the ability to transform a man’s appearance and turbo-charge his self-assurance quite like black tie. Just look at Prince Harry (on his dapper way to his wedding reception) or Javier Bardem (classically elegant at the Cannes film festival) for two shining examples of that truism. And their respective pièce de résistance? Their manifestly self-tied bow ties.
“Dress codes are ostensibly egalitarian,” says tailor and designer Timothy Everest. “But when everyone’s in black tie, you can always notice the telling details, and pick out those who’ve made an effort and done it properly from those who haven’t.”
Read on to learn how you, too, can stand out from the crowd at your next formal event. From the tying of it to the correct ways of wearing it, it’s time to get serious about the best bow ties.
How To Tie A Bow Tie
There are six steps to tying a bow tie that will transform you, as American songwriter Irving Berlin memorably phrased it, into a “million dollar trooper.” However, in the same way you’ll only know how to tie a tie by distinguishing one business end from the other, it’s crucial to learn the anatomy of a bow before diving in, neck first.
Step One
Pull the bow tie to a length where one side fits into the groove of the other (known as the ‘neck’). If you’re right-handed, the longer side should be the right, and vice-versa if left-handed.
Step Two
Fold the longer side of the bow tie over the shorter side, crossing at the strap above the ‘leaf’ of the bow tie. Go under the center and through, pulling tightly enough that you can feel it, but so it’s not pushing into your neck (or blocking any airways). Discard the longer side (the one you pulled through) over your shoulder.
Step Three
Face a mirror and fold the other side up horizontally with the neck of the bow tie in the center, so it resembles the shape of the finished product.
Step Four
Bring the long end back into play, and pull it downwards perpendicular to the other horizontal spread. This will form the central knot, so this movement should only use the material on the strap of the bow tie, not the leaf.
Step Five
This movement will make a little hole between the initial knot and the back of the neck of the horizontal spread. Bring the vertical spread under the horizontal spread and push through the hole with your thumb. Ease it through gently, making sure not to twist it as it goes.
Step Six
Once it’s through, stand in front of the mirror again and give it a sharp tug with a hand on each folded end. Then play around with it until you’re satisfied. Don’t worry if it’s a little uneven – that’s the sprezzatura-style top note of imperfection that’s going to telegraph that a) It’s a bona fide DIY job, and b) Raffish dandies like yourself have more elevated things on their minds than hospital corners.
The History Of The Bow Tie
Like many of today’s mainstays – duct tape, microwaves – black tie as we know it had its beginnings in the military before its co-option by civilians. The earliest iterations of the bow tie appeared around the necks of Croatian mercenaries during the Thirty Years’ War of the 17th century; they sported a knotted scarf around their necks designed to keep the collars of their shirts from flapping open (and, presumably, distracting them from their swordplay).
Upper-class French dandies took note and adopted the item – under the name ‘cravat’, derived from the French for Croat – through the 18th and 19th centuries when fashionable neckwear in silk or grosgrain became de rigueur. This eventually led on to both the bow tie as we know it today and the classic four-in-hand necktie. And while the whole concept of eveningwear might be considered a little haute now, it’s rather prosaic in origin. It dates from a time when men would devote the majority of their day to horses – riding them, grooming them – and a change of clothing was essential so as not to trail a ripe equine scent to the dining table or ballroom (this is why dinner jackets should always be side-vented or ventless, as a centre vent brings back a metaphorical whiff of horsey pursuits).
How To Style The Bow Tie
Got yourself knotted? Then we can move on to black tie lore. Alan Flusser, author of Dressing The Man, says that a fastened bow tie should always be narrower than the width of one’s face shape, but wider than the outer edges of one’s eyes. Ideally, you should avoid adjustable ties (especially if you’re wearing a wing collar) in favor of a made-to-measure number in your neck size.
Talking of collars, Marcella is the classic British dress shirt material; it’s a clean, dimpled fabric with a stiffness that makes it perfect for bib-fronted shirts. A pleat front is lighter, while a straightforward cotton pique is plain-but-failsafe. Ruffles should only be attempted by the irredeemably fashion-forward (or Ryan Gosling).
Whether you opt for shirt studs or buttons is a matter of taste (but platinum or plain onyx studs will never let you down), as is whether you go for a wing or turndown collar, but whichever collar you choose, the cuffs must always be double and fastened with cufflinks. And it’s perfectly fine to unknot the tie and let it hang rakishly loose, Rat Pack-style, at what Flusser calls the “cigar end” of the evening (though you might want to think twice before quite literally undoing all those man-hours’ worth of hard-won skills).
Alice Made This
3 Key Bow Tie Styles
Classic
When in doubt, keep it timeless, or at least as timeless as anything that’s only been knocking around for 300 years or so can be: a chunky black tie, a clean, stud-fronted dress shirt, and a peak-lapelled or shawl-collared dinner jacket (see Justin Timberlake in his ‘Suit & Tie’ phase, Bryan Ferry in his Lounge Lizard phase, or Cary Grant in any phase at all for further elucidation).
Contemporary
Of course, you’re free to experiment, but we’d advise against, say, wearing a red carnation in place of a black tie (otherwise known as ‘going the full Jared Leto’). Instead, try a midnight blue velvet bow tie with a matching dinner jacket, a la Donald Glover (which, confusingly, appears darker under artificial light than black tie itself). This might also be the opportunity to try out some of the more outre tie shapes – the big butterfly, for instance, or the diamond tip.
Fashion
You’ll notice here that we’ve avoided the word ‘creative’, which has proved a license to abuse a perfectly serviceable dress code for those loners and rebels – you know who you are – whose notion of ‘black tie’ is a black necktie and shirt with a dinner jacket, or – even worse – no tie at all. There are more subtle ways of fiddling with the formula while remaining on point; try a silk jacquard bow tie, or a knitted silk pique example, for that extra dash of sworn-to-fun, loyal-to-none elan.
Zara
Brooks Brothers
Zara
